February 24th, 2010

You know what a vlog is, right? Basically, it’s just a video blog (if you need a good example, you could always check out my favorite vlog…)

Aaaaaanyway, if you’re between the ages of 14-18, all you have to do is create a vlog—in less than two minutes—about how your dreams and goals are like Janie’s (she’s the main character, remember?) The winner will receive $1000 that you can put “towards furthering your life goals!”

So get out those cameras, McMann fans…and submit your vlog by visiting Lisa’s website! And you’d better get moving…your entry has to be submitted by March 8th at 12:59 p.m. Eastern Standard Time!

And if you need a little inspiration, check out this awesome book trailer for Wake, the first book in the series!
.
.

February 22nd, 2010

So…30 years ago today, a miracle happened on the ice. During the 1980 Winter Olympics in Lake Placid, NY, the U.S. Men’s Hockey Team defeated Russia(which wasn’t easy to do, considering they’d been practically unbeatable for what seemed like a million years.) And not only did they defeat Russia, they went on to win the Gold Medal. It was a huge deal—and most people still refer to it as one of the greatest moments in the history of sports. (in 2004, they even made a movie about it, called Miracle!)

So what do you think, Bits and Bramblers? Can the U.S. Men’s Hockey Team keep up their momentum…and win the gold medal!? We’ll just have to root them on this Wednesday, when they’ll play the winner of the Switzerland vs. Belarus game Tuesday. Now…while I’m no great hockey expert, I think they stand a pretty good chance. And maybe they—actually, maybe all of us—should watch this for inspiration. Go U.S.A.!
.
.

February 19th, 2010

Ahhhhhh, the 70’s. Good times. Well…it seems like they would have been good times. I wasn’t exactly born in the 70’s, but That 70’s Show was pretty awesome, right?

And while the 70’s look kind of awesome, I’m not sure I’d like to…I don’t know, fall asleep in a jacuzzi at a party, then wake up in some stranger’s bathroom in 1978, which exactly what happens to Shay Saunders in Stuck in the 70’s by D.L. Garfinkle. Just watch the far-out book trailer, man!

February 16th, 2010

I’ll be honest with you Bits and Bramblers. I’m one of those people that likes snow in December, but…after that? Not so much. By this point, though, even those crazies that like snow are sick of it. Even snow days are getting boring, and that’s because there’s only so much you can do with snow before it gets old. Snowmen? Built four of ‘em. Snowball fight? Please. Snow Angels? They’ll just get covered up in an hour by MORE SNOW. Blech.
.

But you’re smarter than that, right? You’re sitting in front of the warming glow of a computer. And you’ve come to the right place, because I have just the thing to keep you entertained. Why not play Ayiti: The Cost of Life? It’s a little like The Oregon Trail…but instead of getting across the U.S. in one piece, your job is to help one of rural Haiti’s families stay happy, healthy, and educated over a four year period (and I’m sure I don’t have to tell you that things in Haiti have been pretty horrific lately…)

The thing is…I’m really bad at this game. I keep driving my family into poverty (not on purpose though. Then again, everyone in my covered wagon usually died of typhoid on the way to Oregon. Stupid typhoid…) But I’m sure you’ll be much better at the game than me, and it will give you a good idea of how difficult life is in Haiti (especially now!) And speaking of Haiti, you can make the “Season of Giving” last all year by donating to the relief effort, if you can (and remember…you need your parents permission!)

Hopefully, this distracts you from the snow! But still… stay safe and warm, Bits and Bramblers! We’ll leave you with one of my favorite performances from the Hope for Haiti telethon…here’s Coldplay with “A Message”!
.
.